After months of speculation, the San Antonio Spurs – and the rest of the NBA – have a bit more clarity surrounding the top of the 2025 NBA Draft. In the end, it was the Dallas Mavericks, surprisingly, winning the NBA Draft Lottery, and they will have the luxury of selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick. For the Spurs, not all was lost for them. After moving up in the lottery, they will select No. 2 and No. 14 overall. With the opportunity to double-dip in a pretty strong draft, they are sitting in a pretty good spot.
Now that the NBA Draft Lottery has been set, let’s take a look at how the board could fall – and how the Spurs may operate with their two lottery picks. Here’s our first post-lottery NBA Mock Draft.
1. Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
Now that the mystery of which team will earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is over, we now know where Cooper Flagg is going to begin his career. As one of the best overall prospects in recent history, Flagg is going to find himself in a position to succeed. Right now, the expectations will be through the roof for Flagg, Fortunately, he’s the type of prospect that many believe will be able to live up to the hype.
Flagg doesn’t have many, if any, holes in his game as he makes the jump to the NBA level. A generational talent, Flagg will have the opportunity to resurrect the Dallas Mavericks franchise.
2. San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
Even though it would be easy to be disappointed by finishing second in the NBA Draft Lottery, Dylan Harper will have the potential to be a generational player at the next level, too. He may not be the “can’t-miss” prospect that Cooper Flagg is, but the expectations will be high for Harper as well. Even though the Spurs have a loaded backcourt, Harper has to be the pick here. Unless, of course, they look to trade it. (*insert eye emojis*)
Because of Flagg, Harper has been somewhat overlooked as a prospect, but he has nearly as high a ceiling.
3. Philadelphia 76ers – Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
One of the most talented offensive players in this year’s NBA Draft class, Ace Bailey, does have a high ceiling on one end of the floor as he prepares to make the leap to the next level. The big question for Bailey is whether his style of play is going to translate to winning basketball in the NBA. To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure if the answer to that question is yes. Nevertheless, he might be too talented to pass up at No. 3.
As the Philadelphia 76ers look for a franchise spark, it’s going to be difficult for them not to take a flier on Bailey. There has been some recent talk about Bailey falling outside the top 3, but I don’t buy it.
4. Charlotte Hornets- V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
There has been a recent push over the last couple of months for V.J. Edgecombe to enter the top 3 conversation of this year’s NBA Draft class, but I do believe that it’s safe to say that he’s probably going to be taken No. 4 overall. He’s not as polished a prospect as the first four players taken ahead of him, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to be a great player once he fully develops down the road.
Edgecombe has the shot-making ability and overall athleticism to emerge as a star at the next level. In the right system, which the Charlotte Hornets could be, he’ll have a shot to be a very good player right away.
5. Utah Jazz – Tre Johnson, G, Texas
If there’s a team that needs a huge offensive boost heading into next season, Tre Johnson might be considered one of the best-fitting prospects. There are certainly some defensive concerns with Johnson, but what he could do with the ball in his hands is electric. He didn’t have the best freshman season at Texas, but the potential is there for Johnson to take a huge step in his game when he makes the jump to the NBA.
In the right role, especially in the proper defensive system, Johnson will have the opportunity to be a strong player off the bench for a team right away.
6. Washington Wizards – Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
If there’s one prospect who could probably be taken in the top 5 and no one would blink, but that is probably going to fall closer to late in the top 10, it’s Jeremiah Fears. There are certainly some efficiency concerns with taking Fears, especially on the defensive end of the floor. However, his electric style of play in the pick and roll and with the ball in his hands makes him a high-ceiling player worth a gamble in the lottery.
Taking Fears with the No. 6 pick in the first round, the Washington Wizards will be getting a potential lead guard of the future while getting a potential star player who could go a long way in changing the culture of the franchise.
7. New Orleans Pelicans – Kasparas Jakucionis, G, llinois
Even though we’re getting late in the lottery here at No. 10, there’s still great value that could be had at this point in the NBA Draft. One playmaking guard who deserves more credit for the freshman season he had at Illinois is Kasparas Jakucionis. In the right system, there’s a reason to believe that he could make an impact from day 1.
Jakucionis did show some shooting inconsistencies down the stretch, but his continued ability to set up an offense and emerge as a capable playmaker makes him an intriguing offer. Jakucionis has the size, skill set, and proven track record of a strong lead guard.
8. Brooklyn Nets – Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
At this point in the top 10, the argument could be made that there’s a bit of a drop-off in overall talent and ceiling. I won’t rail against that all that much, but there are still very good players on the board. At No. 8, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if the Brooklyn Nets decided to take a safe pick with the selection of Kon Knueppel.
During his freshman season at Duke, Knueppel proved that not only the capability to be one of the best pure shooters in this draft class, but that he can also be much more than that in terms of slashing to the basket and being an underrated playmaker (averaging nearly three assists per game).
9. Toronto Raptors – Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
With a big need in the frontcourt, taking a center at this point in the first round won’t be considered to be that big of a reach. In theory, there may be “more all-around talented” players still on the board, but Khaman Maluach does fill a specific need. After flashing great potential during his freshman season at Duke, Maluach has separated himself as the top center prospect in this draft class.
As a top 10 pick, the expectation is not only for Maluach to be a defensive anchor for his new team as he makes the jump to the NBA, but also to emerge as a force in the future on the offensive end of the floor.
10. Houston Rockets (via PHO) – Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
One prospect who could emerge as an intriguing option for the Houston Rockets, especially after the season they had, at this point in the lottery is Jase Richardson. The Rockets will be looking to add more depth to their supporting cast, and while he’s still very much a work in progress, Richardson could be a fit for Houston.
Over the last few months, Richardson has risen quickly up draft boards. With a good chance he’s taken in the lottery, the Rockets could benefit from Richardson’s sharp-shooting and overall athleticism on the wing. If he can prove to be a better playmaker, perhaps he could carve out a role quickly for Houston.
11. Portland Trail Blazers – Derik Queen, C, Maryland
With a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament, there’s been some push for Derik Queen to rise into the top 5 of this year’s NBA Draft. At least for now, I can’t see it. All that said, Queen is probably going to be the second big man taken from this draft class. As a unique offensive player at the center position, Queen does offer great value in the frontcourt.
If he can prove that he can be capable on the defensive end of the floor and that the speed and quickness won’t be too much to overwhelm him at the position, Queen could end up being one of the more impactful prospects right away.
12. Chicago Bulls – Thomas Sorber, C, Georgertown
Even though the Chicago Bulls weren’t able to get much luck in moving up in the NBA Draft Lottery, not all is lost for the franchise. At this point in the first round, the Bulls will still find themselves in a position to take a talented big man, which could be considered the biggest need for the team on the roster heading into the NBA offseason.
Thomas Sorber may not have the high ceiling that Khama Maluach has in the eyes of some, but he has the potential to be a strong two-way big at the next level. With the likelihood that the Bulls are going to move past Nikola Vucevic sooner rather than later, Sorber should be able to carve out a nice home in Chicago.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) – Egor Demin, F, BYU
From a standpoint of taking the best player still on the board, especially considering that we don’t know how the Atlanta Hawks are going to operate heading into the offseason, it would make sense for Egor Demin to come off the board here at No. 13. After a hot start to his freshman season at BYU, Demin quickly rose up draft boards. Even though he’s cooled off a bit, Demin would still be a strong consideration at No. 13.
Demin offers a unique skill set for his size and positional versatility. He’s a strong playmaker, and if he can solidify his 3-point shot, he could emerge as a potential steal for the Hawks at this point in the lottery.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) – Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
With a second lottery pick, the San Antonio Spurs could use this selection as a luxury pick (or potentially include it in a trade package for a star player). Let’s assume the Spurs are going to use this pick to add more depth to their already strong roster. At No. 14, a player like Carter Bryant could come flying off the board.
Bryant is far from a finished product, but he certainly has all the physical, athletic tools, and emerging basketball skill set to emerge as an intriguing developmental project for the Spurs. Bryant could develop into a strong frontcourt option next to Victor Wembanyama in the future.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) – Liam McNeeley, F, UCONN
With this selection at No. 15, the Oklahoma City Thunder must ask themselves if there’s one player who could come right in and throw their name into being in the conversation for a rotational role. If they can find one at No. 15, that player might be Liam McNeeley. He can do a little of everything on the floor and is not a selfish player. He would fit right in with what the Thunder have been building.
McNeeley doesn’t have an outstandingly high ceiling, but that wouldn’t be a huge issue for the Thunder who have a roster that is ready to compete for a championship. McNeeley could be a potential ready-to-contribute selection for OKC.
16. Orlando Magic – Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s
Looking for added help on the wing, especially after both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner struggled with injuries this past season, Rasheer Fleming could be a potential target at this point in the first round. Right now, Fleming is the type of prospect who could be taken anywhere from just outside the lottery to late in the first round.
If he’s still on the board when the Magic go on the clock at No. 16, which he probably will be, he will surely be a consideration for the team. As a potential two-way player with a ton of positional versatility, there’s a reason to believe he could be a solid addition for Orlando.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) – Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
Looking to add another strong piece to the supporting cast around Anthony Edwards, Collin Murray-Boyles could be considered a worthy selection here outside the lottery. If he’s still available, Murray-Boyles could give the Wolves the exact level of versatility that they could be looking for in the frontcourt.
This is also one of those moves that helps the team out in the event that they’re unable to re-sign Naz Reid, who could test free agency. I wouldn’t say Murray-Boyles would be considered a Reid replacement, but he could help soften the blow if it comes to that.
18. Washington Wizards (via MEM) – Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
There seems to be a divide with Danny Wolf as we enter the truly important part of the pre-draft process. His draft stock will certainly be settled by what takes place over the next few weeks, but I still find it hard to believe that with his skill set for a 7-footer that he won’t be taken in the first round of this year’s NBA Draft. There has to be a team willing to bet on his long-term potential.
Maybe the Washington Wizards, with two picks in the first round, would be willing to be one of those teams. Wolf can score from anywhere on the floor and is a very good offensive initiator. He could provide some frontcourt versatility for the young Wizards.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) – Ben Saraf, G, Israel
The Brooklyn Nets could find some truly strong value by selecting Ben Saraf with this pick outside the lottery. A guard with good size and strong scoring and playmaking skills, there’s a chance that Saraf will be more ready to contribute than many scouts across the league are willing to admit. That’s not a huge issue for the Nets, but Saraf could emerge as an underrated addition this late in the first round.
As the Nets continue to look for a new direction, adding talent is the key for this franchise. They’ll have four opportunities to do so in the first round, and maybe Saraf becomes a cornerstone piece for this team.
20. Miami Heat (via GS) – Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
With a late first-round pick, the Miami Heat doesn’t have much promise to find a star player in this year’s NBA Draft, but I do believe there’s some value in taking the best player available in such a strong class. Nique Clifford might be that player for the Heat at this point in the first round. He has great size for a guard and is coming off back-to-back efficient offensive seasons.
If the Heat are looking for a player who could seemingly come in and play a role for the team off the bench, Clifford could be that prospect for the team at this point in the first round. And in the Heat’s system, he could truly blossom in the future.
21. Utah Jazz (via MINN) – Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
Depending on what happens at the top of this NBA Draft with their first selection, the Utah Jazz could still be in the market for a playmaking guard here at No. 21. If that does end up being the case, or even if Utah wants to double-dip with another backcourt selecetion, Labaron Philon could be in the running to be the pick late in the first round.
Having somewhat of an up-and-down freshman season at Alabama, Philon is certainly a potential development project that could be of interest for the Jazz. Philon is the type of talent that could blossom into what Utah needs at the lead guard position.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) – Asa Newell, F, Georgia
With another pick in the first round, the Atlanta Hawks could elect to take a flier on one of the most talented, but raw, prospects in this year’s draft class. With all the potential in the world, Asa Newell could be considered a bit of a steal to still be on the board at this point in the first round. The Hawks, however, will need to put Newell in the right position to succeed if he’s going to reach his ceiling.
The Hawks should make that calculated bet, as it’s generally difficult to find a player this talented so late in the first round.
23. Indiana Pacers – Noah Penda, F, France
The Indiana Pacers have the look of a team that is clicking at the right time and one that could legitimately make a run to the NBA Finals. But no matter what happens, they’ll still have a big decision to make heading into the offseason regarding the future of Myles Turner.
As he prepares for free agency, there’s a chance the the Pacers could have a huge hole in the frontcourt. They could attempt to help prepare for that by taking a flier on talented big man Noah Penda with the No. 23 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) – Nolan Traore, G, France
The Oklahoma City Thunder have such a talented young roster that they’re eventually going to have to let some players walk down the road. That’s the curse of having so many good players on a roster. That’s why it’s important for the Thunder to continue to add young depth to their roster. One way they can continue to do that is with the No. 24 overall pick. One player in range to come off the board here could be Nolan Traore.
Traore could be another strong development project that the Thunder takes advantage of late in the first round. In a couple of years, this is the type of move that could pay true dividends for the team.
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) – Noa Essengue, F, France
If Noa Essengue is still on the board when the Orlando Magic go on the clock with the No. 25 overall pick, they should waste little time in turning in their draft card. Essengue is admittedly a polarizing draft prospect, but he has the two-way potential to make the risk worthwhile.
Essengue is going to contribute first on defense with his versatile playing style. If he can develop an outside jumper on the offensive end of the floor, he’ll be able to contribute to a team for a very long time. He’s the type of player whose defense leads to their offense. In the modern NBA, many teams could use a player like Essengue.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) – Will Riley, F, Illinois
Will Riley could be another fit for the Brooklyn Nets with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. There are some who believe that Riley could be a sleeper pick late in the first round. With good size, athleticism, and two-way ability, Riley could be one of those prospects who come out of nowhere during his rookie season.
In the right system, there’s a reason to believe that Riley could be a more impactful player right away than most are willing to believe. He has all the tools to be a contributing player at the next level. Most just can’t agree on how ready he is to assume that type of role next season.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) – Joan Beringer, C, France
Looking to continue to add talented young depth to their roster, Joan Beringer could be a fit for the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets with this fourth and final first-round pick. Beringer is probably not a player who is going to contribute right away for the Nets, but the addition of such a talented big man does give this team options heading into the future.
It’s hard to predict how aggressively the Nets will approach the offseason, but having young depth will give this team the opportunity to continue to tear down this roster if they want.
28. Boston Celtics – Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
With the uncertainty surrounding the Boston Celtics heading into the offseason, no matter what transpires for the team during the rest of the NBA Playoffs, it would be smart for them to try to add to their depth with a ready-to-contribute player here with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
One prospect who does fit the mold of what the Celtics could be looking for in an experienced player is Walter Clayton Jr. A prime-time player who always seemed to rise in the biggest moments, Clayton Jr. could be an excellent depth addition for the Celtics.
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) – Yaxel Lendeborg, F, UAB
Yaxel Landeborg is a rising prospect in this year’s NBA Draft class. For a Phoenix Suns team that is expected to undergo some change this summer, Lendeborg could be an intriguing option late in the first round. Because he’s such a late bloomer, it’s impossible to predict what to expect from him as he makes the jump to the NBA, but the talent is certainly there.
A versatile player who could make waves on both ends of the floor, Lendeborg could be exactly what the Suns could be looking for in the frontcourt heading into the offseaosn.
30. LA Clippers (via OKC) – Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
The LA Clippers are eventually going to have to start thinking about life beyond James Harden (and potentially Kawhi Leonard). While the lure to take a potential rotation piece with this pick will certainly be there, Tahaad Pettiford just sitting there at No. 30 is great value for this team.
With all the potential in the world, the Clippers could be taking their long-term answer in the backcourt with this selection. Pettiford is an explosive offensive player, and if he can find a way to play bigger as he makes the jump to the Association, he’ll have every opportunity to be a successful player.
